Chingay

Crowd thrilled by Chingay display

GEORGE TOWN: The Chingay performance during the National Day eve celebration at Jalan Ria near Komtar was a crowd-puller, as the performers tossed the giant flags amongst themselves.

Many spectators stood by the roadside to watch the thrilling display while some watched from higher floors at Komtar and Prangin Mall.

Gan Hock Soon, 60, who was having his morning tea at a coffee shop nearby, said he remembered watching Chingay when he was a small boy.

He said some of the old performers were still around.

North Malaysia Chingay Association co-founder and coach Kumaran Gurusamy, 41, said Chinese temples used the sports to attract visitors in the early days.

“It then became a Penang culture but it is slowly being forgotten. So we’d like to use this opportunity to promote it as a heritage culture,” he said.

Kumaran, or better known as Ah Kun among his members, has 21 years of experience in the sports and has performed in many places.

He said it was the second time he and his team participated in a National Day celebration performance since 1998.

He also said it required a pair of sharp eyes, the ability to maintain balance and strong stamina as one needed to look upwards when balancing the giant flag pole using his forehead or mouth.
“Most important of all is interest. It takes a great deal of patience and discipline to make the tossing and balancing look easy,” he said.

About 20 members performed using the Jalur Gemilang and Penang state flag as well as the association’s flag.

Their performance was part of the National Day Carnival celebration held in Jalan Ria, Komtar from 11 am until countdown and fireworks at midnight.

Among the other performances were the lion dance, singing by local singers, street dance, 24 Seasons Drum, Chinese Orchestra, silat and traditional dance.